Updates on Coronavirus
Currently, there are no cases of coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) in Polk County. If there were to be a reported case of coronavirus in our schools, Polk County Public Schools would follow the direction of the Florida Department of Health in Polk County and take all necessary precautions and measures to ensure the safety of our students and community.
PCPS will continue to update this webpage and social media, as well as send automated telephone/email messages to parents and guardians. To ensure that you receive these important messages, please make sure your child’s school has your current emergency contact info on file.
PCPS works closely with local, state and federal agencies. The district remains in close communication with the Florida Department of Health as we continue to monitor developments related to the coronavirus. At this time, there is no change to our schools’ schedules.
Our school nurses are carefully evaluating the health of our students and staff. Our custodians follow a daily cleaning routine that includes disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces within classrooms and throughout our campuses. We are ensuring all school bathrooms are properly stocked with hand soap, installing hand sanitizer dispensers in high-traffic areas of our schools and district office locations and providing hand sanitizer to bus drivers. Signage at our schools reminds students, employees and visitors of the steps they can take to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The following additional measures have also been taken.
- Based on the recommendation of the Florida Commissioner of Education, all student field trips involving air travel will be suspended immediately through the end of the current school year. District and school staff members will work with parents and travel companies to make appropriate cancellation arrangements.
- Maintenance staff are installing approximately 1,000 hand sanitizer dispensers in school common areas such as cafeterias, main offices, gymnasiums and media centers.
- Custodial staff are following more thorough and frequent cleaning procedures.
- Schools are using their TV programs, morning announcements and other communication channels to disseminate health information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
What is the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus, and we are learning more about it every day. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this point, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping transmission of the virus through good hygiene habits is the best way to keep people healthy. More information on COVID-19 is available at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
What can be done to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus and other types of flu or respiratory illnesses?
The CDC recommends individuals and families follow everyday preventive measures that address many viruses and common respiratory illnesses.
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective for hand hygiene.
- Do not share food, eating utensils or cups.
- Stay home and do not go to school or work if you are sick. Limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in a waste basket. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.
- Make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date.
Should I keep my child home from school?
In accordance with the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), our schools remain open and our attendance policies remain unchanged. Our school nurses are well trained and continue to carefully evaluate the health of our students and staff. Any child with a high fever and other influenza-type symptoms will be sent home.
Should I send my child to school with a facemask?
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including coronavirus (COVID-19). You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms.
Can I find out how many students are absent in my child's classroom and how many are out because of flu-like symptoms?
The exact cause for absenteeism may not be known. Often, we are not told the exact reason for an absence related to illness. However, we do require that the student be fever-free upon return to school.
Has there been any change to the statewide assessments schedule?
At this time, the Florida Department of Education has not made any change to the statewide assessments schedule. If any changes are made, an update will be provided.
Additional Resources
Resources for only informational purposes:
If you would like to leave our website and visit outside resources, please follow the links below. These third-party resources are listed for only information purpose and no endorsements are implied.
It is important to stay informed on the current situation. There are many ways to protect yourself and mitigate the transmission in Florida, and we all have a part to play in these actions.
The Department of Health has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage for all of the most recent updates on the virus. This page, www.FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19, remains the best and most up-to-date resource for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida.
For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Polk County, residents can contact the Department of Health in Polk County by calling 863-519-7911 Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
The State has also established a dedicated COVID-19 Call Center which is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For more information, call 1-866-779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
